Do you live in Brampton? Are you interested in building a new fence? Before doing anything, make sure to first learn about the necessary rules and regulations. Be wary of your city location and the location of the online articles you are reading because the regulations for fencing depend on which City you reside in.
Rear or Side Yard in Brampton
According to the City’s Zoning By-law, the height of a fence in the rear or side yard has to be a maximum of 2 metres (6 feet, 6 inches).
Front Yard Regulations
In the front yard, a fence cannot go above a height of 1 metre (39 inches). The front lot line is the shortest lot line facing the street for the corner lot.
Corner Lot Regulations
The zoning bylaw also restricts the height of fences on a corner lot to allow pedestrians and drivers to see over the fence, providing clear visibility around the corner.
Even though the City does not require a permit for building a fence, make sure that you do not build your fence on a neighbor’s or the City’s property. The City’s Division Fence By-law 172-2006 mentions disputes where neighboring property owners cannot agree on property line fencing.
Important Brampton Fencing Considerations
When building a fence for your property, there is a myriad of variable factors that can contribute to your decisions. Of course, as we have outlined, you must adhere to your City’s bylaws and regulations regarding the height and location of your fencing. However, it is also essential that you get in touch with a local gas company and review your property’s survey, which will help you avoid injury and neighborly disputes.
You should have received a copy of the property survey when you purchased your property, which shows the lot lines dividing your property and your neighbors. It is best to err on the side of your own property line in this area instead of building your fence directly on the division line. If you have a positive relationship with your neighbor, it’s great to let them know in advance of your plans to include a new fence and review the property survey to prevent future disputes.
● Fencing Safety Considerations
Additionally, you will want to avoid hitting gas lines buried deep in the ground on your property. If you were to begin building your fence as a DIY yourself project and digging around your land, you could create significant damage to your property and yourself. Because of the explosive nature of gasoline, you risk severe damage or injury to yourself or your contractor if you begin to dig without checking for these gas lines. It’s best to contact a local gas company in your area at least five days before starting your fencing project.
You may not know it, but hazards can be buried just below the surface of your yard. Whether it is natural gas lines, electricity cables, telecommunications cables or even sewer pipes, you need to check for all types of utilities. Digging into these components can cut off services or cause extensive damage. It’s the law to call before you dig.
● Brampton Fencing & Neighbourly Conduct
According to Brampton bylaws, if a fence is being added to “adjoining lands,” then the labor or cost of the fencing project is to be shared by the two parties. This means that an open line of communication between you and your neighbor is necessary. Allow ample time (2 weeks to a month) prior to the beginning of digging, purchase of materials or fence construction to discuss these matters with your neighbor.
In the event that an agreement is not reached, the owner who is installing the fence must provide written notice, called a “Notice of Intent,” via postage mail. This notice must contain three separate quotes for the project, a 14-day notice that contributory payment may be requested, a complete copy of the Brampton bylaw, and a paragraph stating that the “adjoining owner” can obtain three alternative quotes for the project within ten days.
● Fencing “Locates” and Colour Codes
You need to legally verify the location of all underground lines and cables (named “locates”) to avoid injury, damage, expensive repairs, or even environmental issues. When locates are marked on your property, you’ll notice brightly colored flags which are coordinated to indicate which type of utility line is in the vicinity:
- Yellow: oil, natural gas, steam
- Green: Sewer, storm
- Red: Electric
- Orange: Communication
- Blue: Water
- Purple: Irrigation or “slurry” (cement, manure, coal, etc.)
- Pink: Temporary survey
- White: Proposed Excavation
If you have any other questions or concerns about how high you can build your fence, make sure to contact a professional service that deals with fence installation and repairs.
Afsara Tasnim is a content writer for BreezeMaxWeb, who helps businesses grow their online presence through creating engaging copy. During her spare time, she enjoys taking photographs of nature and exploring the outdoors.
